Extinguishing device for a smoking product

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a device for extinguishing a smoking product such as a cigarette or cigar. The device is inserted into a filter attached to a smoking product. The device includes a container for an extinguishing agent adapted to move from a first state wherein the extinguishing agent is not released from the container, to a second state where the extinguishing agent is released from the container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to devices and methods for extinguishing a smoking product such as a cigarette or cigar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various devices are known for use with smoking products, such as a cigarette or cigar, in order to extinguish the smoking product.

For example, published US Patent Application No. 2011/0132382 describes a cigarette paper coated with a substance of a low tendency to ignite. Parts of the paper are coated with a coating substance that reduces the cigarette paper's pores, and as a result, the cigarette is extinguished as the burn region reaches the coated areas of the paper.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,101 describes a cigarette with a filter including an internal vessel that reaches the compressed tobacco of the smoking product. The cigarette has a nozzle that ends at a cavity stopped with wax. The wax is injected under pressure created by decomposed carbonic acid and/or carbon dioxide and compression pressure exerted on the exterior walls of the filter.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,249 describes a cigarette extinguishing device inserted into a cigarette. A tube is attached to a liquid reservoir next to the edge of the cigarette's filter. A frangible wall separates the pool from the long tube. Manual collapsing of the cigarette at the reservoir's edge tears the wall and ejects the liquid through the tube for extinguishing the cigarette.

International Publication No. WO2015068170 describes a device for extinguishing a cigarette including a vessel shaped like a tube fitted to be inserted into a cigarette filter, and which contains a liquid for extinguishing the cigarette. The liquid may be under the pressure of compressed air within the vessel. A diaphragm located at the vessel edge tears under pressure and/or heat. As the diaphragm tears, the liquid flows from the liquid's vessel onto the burn region of the cigarette, and thus extinguishes the cigarette.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device for extinguishing a smoking product; the device is fitted to be inserted into a filter of a smoking product such as a cigarette or cigar. In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a vessel suited to contain an extinguishing substance. The opening of the vessel is covered by a membrane that may be ruptured or torn.

Thus, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for extinguishing a smoking product, the device being adapted for attachment to a smoking product, the device comprising:

-   -   a. a container suited to contain an extinguishing agent;     -   b. a frangible membrane covering an opening in the container;     -   c. one or more barbs or one or more cords attached to the         membrane; wherein the device is adapted to switch from a first         state to a second state, wherein         -   the barbs do not pierce the membrane in the first state of             the device and the barbs pierce the membrane at the second             state of the device, or         -   one or more of the threads do not pull the membrane in the             first state of the device and the threads pull and tear the             membrane at the second state of the device.

The device may be inserted into a filter or inside a smoking product.

The membrane maybe adapted to withstand pressure exerted on the membrane by the extinguishing agent.

The device may further comprise an extinguishing agent in the container.

The container may be in the form of a narrow tube.

The device may further comprise a first spring. The device may further comprise a pusher at the end of the first spring. The device may further comprise a stopper fixed inside the tube. The device may further comprise an extinguishing agent stored in the container between the membrane and the pusher.

The device may further comprise one or more barbs and at least one barb in the form of a needle. In this case, the container may be in the form of a narrow tube and the needle is located inside the tube. In this case,

-   -   a. the pusher may be inside the tube surrounding the needle and         adapted to move along the needle inside the tube and create a         fluid impervious seal between the needle and the pusher and         between the pusher and an internal wall of the tube, and     -   b. the stopper may be circular and fixed inside the tube between         the stopper and the pusher.

The device may further comprise a second spring between a protrusion on the needle and the stopper.

The may be hollow and there may be an eyelet in the wall of the needle.

The device may be adapted to move from the first state to the second state by exerting pressure on an end of the device. The device may be adapted to move from the first state to the second state by squeezing the device.

One or more of the barbs may be attached to the container, and the device may be adapted to switch from the first state into the second state by squeezing the device from the sides, or squeezing a filter containing the device, or by squeezing a smoking product containing the device.

The barbs may be located outside the membrane. The barbs may have tips located inside the membrane when the device is in the first state. The membrane may tear prior to the burn region making contact with the barbs due to heat emitted from the burn region.

The device may further comprise (a) a protrusion on the proximal end of the needle; and (b) one or more wedges, the wedges being adapted to move towards the protrusion when the device is squeezed from the sides, and causing the needle to move toward the distal end and to pierce the membrane.

The device may further comprise two levers associated with or adhered to the needle adjacent to the proximal end of the needle, the levers being adapted to move towards one other when the device is squeezed from the sides causing the needle to pierce the membrane.

The membrane may be adapted to tear by the heat emitted from the burn region of the smoking product.

The container may be made from an elastic material

In another of its aspects, the invention provides a device for extinguishing a smoking product, the device being adapted to attach to a smoking product, the device comprising:

-   -   a. a container adapted to contain an extinguishing agent;     -   b. a frangible membrane covering an opening in the container,     -   c. a first spring, and     -   d. a pusher adapted to move under the influence of the first         spring and to inject the extinguishing agent out of the         container.

This device may be included in a filter or in a smoking product.

The membrane may be adapted to withstand pressure exerted on the membrane by the extinguishing agent.

The device may further comprise an extinguishing agent in the container.

The may further comprise one or more barbs, each barb being moveable from a state wherein the barb does not pierce the membrane and a state wherein the barb tears the membrane.

The container may be in the form of a narrow tube. In this case, the device may further comprise a stopper fixed inside the tube. The container may be in the form of a narrow tube with at least one barb in the form of a needle. The container may be in the form of a narrow tube with the needle is located inside the tube. The pusher may be inside the tube surrounding the needle and adapted to move along the needle inside the tube creating a fluid impervious seal between the needle and the pusher and between the pusher and an internal surface of the tube. The stopper may be annular and surround the needle.

The device may further comprise an extinguishing agent stored in the tube between the membrane and the pusher.

The device may further comprise a second spring between a protrusion on the needle and the stopper.

The needle may be hollow with an eyelet on the wall of the needle.

The may be adapted to move from the first state to the second state by exerting pressure on an edge of the device. The device may be adapted to move from the first state to the second state by squeezing the device.

The barbs may be attached to the container, with the device being adapted to move from the first state to the second state by squeezing the device, or by squeezing a filter containing the device, or by squeezing the sides on a smoking product containing the device.

The barbs may be located outside the membrane. The barbs may have tips located inside the membrane when the device is in the first state.

The membrane may tear prior to the burn region making contact with the barbs due to heat emitted from the burn region.

The device may further comprise: (a) a protrusion on the proximal end of the needle; and (b) one or more wedges, the wedges being adapted to move towards the protrusion when the device is squeezed from the sides, and cause the needle to move toward the distal end, pierce the membrane.

The device may further comprise two levers adjacent to or adhered to the needle at the proximal end of the needle, the levers being adapted to move towards one other when the device is squeezed causing the needle to pierce the membrane.

The membrane may be adapted to tear by heat emitted from the burn region of the smoking product.

The container may comprise rigid material. The container may comprise elastic material.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for extinguishing a smoking product, the device being adapted for attachment to a smoking item, the device comprising a container formed from an elastic material and adapted to contain an extinguishing agent.

The device may be inserted inside a filter or inside a smoking product.

The device may further comprise an extinguishing agent in a container.

The extinguishing agent may be released from the container when the container is ruptured. The container may be inserted into a sleeve.

The container may terminate in a protrusion.

The device a may further comprise one or more barbs.

The container may be filled through a hole in the container and the hole sealed after filling.

The container may be adapted to rupture by squeezing the device, or by squeezing a filter containing the device, or by squeezing a smoking product containing the device.

The device may further comprise one or more barbs, wherein the squeezing causes the device to move from the first state wherein the barbs do not pierce the container to the second state wherein the barbs pierce the container.

The squeezing may cause the movement of the barbs and the piercing of the container. The squeezing may cause the expansion of the container and piercing the container by the barbs.

The container may be ruptured by heat emitted from the burn region.

In still another of it aspects, the present invention provides a device for extinguishing a smoking product, the device being adapted for attachment to a smoking product, the device comprising:

-   -   a. a container having a first region adapted to contain an         extinguishing agent and a second region containing a gas;     -   b. a frangible membrane covering an opening in the container;     -   c. a pusher adapted to move inside the container, the pusher         separating the region adapted to contain the extinguishing agent         and the region containing the gas;         -   wherein the device is adapted to move from a first state             wherein the membrane is intact and a second state wherein             the membrane is broken;         -   and wherein the gas within the second region is compressed             upon filling the first region with the extinguishing agent.

The device may be inserted into a filter or inside a smoking product.

The membrane may be adapted to withstand pressure exerted on the membrane by the extinguishing agent.

The device a may further comprise an extinguishing agent in the container.

The device may further comprise one or more barbs, wherein when the device is in the first state the barbs do not pierce the membrane, and when the device is in the second state as at least one barb pierces the membrane.

The container may be in the form of a narrow tube.

The device may be adapted to move from the first state to the second state upon exerting pressure on an edge of the device edge or by squeezing the second region of the container.

The device may further comprise one or more cords attached to the membrane, wherein exerting pressure on the device pulls the cords and tears the membrane.

The membrane may ruptured by heat emitted from a burn region.

The gas may be air.

The invention also provides a filter for a smoking item comprising a device of the invention.

The invention also provides a system including a filter for a smoking item comprising a device of the invention and a smoking product attached to the filter. The smoking product may include channel along the smoking product. The channel wall may be made of tobacco, compressed tobacco or paper or my other suitable material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and learn as to the possibility of executing such, embodiments shall now be described, using by means of non-restricting drawings, referring to the accompanying drawings, as:

FIG. 1 shows a filter comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the filter of FIG. 1 after loading with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 3 shows in greater detail the pusher of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows the filter of FIGS. 1 and 2 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 5 shows the filter of FIGS. 1 and 2 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 6 shows spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to the filter of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows the filter of FIG. 7 after loading with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 9 shows the filter of FIGS. 7 and 8 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 10 shows the filter of FIGS. 7 and 8 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 11 shows spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to the filter of FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 12 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows the filter of FIG. 12 after loading with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 14 shows the filter of FIGS. 12 and 13 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 15 shows the filter of FIGS. 12 and 13 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 16 shows spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 17 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 shows the filter of FIG. 17 after loading with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 19 shows the filter of FIGS. 17 and 18 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 20 shows the filter of FIGS. 17 and 18 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 21 shows spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIGS. 17 and 18;

FIG. 22 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 shows the filter of FIG. 22 after loading with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 24 shows the filter of FIGS. 22 and 23 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 25 shows the filter of FIGS. 22 and 23 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 26 shows the spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIGS. 22 and 23;

FIG. 27 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 shows the filter of FIG. 27 after loading with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 29 shows the filter of FIGS. 27 and 28 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 30 shows the filter of FIGS. 27 and 28 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 31 shows the spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIGS. 27 and 28;

FIG. 32 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention, comprising a balloon filled with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 33 shows the filter of FIG. 32 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 34 shows the filter of FIG. 32 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 35 shows the spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention, which includes a balloon filled with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 37 shows the filter of FIG. 36 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 38 shows the filter of FIG. 37 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 39 shows the spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 41 shows the filter of FIG. 40 after loading with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 42 shows the filter of FIGS. 40 and 41 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 43 shows the filter of FIGS. 40 and 41 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 44 shows the spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIGS. 40 and 41;

FIG. 45 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 46 shows the filter of FIG. 45 after loading with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 47 shows the filter of FIGS. 44 and 45 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 48 shows the filter of FIGS. 45 and 46 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product;

FIG. 49 shows spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIGS. 44 and 45;

FIG. 50 shows a filter comprising a device for a smoking product in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the invention, which includes a balloon filled with an extinguishing agent;

FIG. 51 shows the filter of FIG. 50 after attachment to a smoking product;

FIG. 52 shows the filter of FIG. 50 after attachment to a smoking product and release of the extinguishing agent into the smoking product; and

FIG. 53 shows the spontaneous extinguishing of a smoking product attached to a filter of FIG. 50;

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. and 1 and 2 show a filter 2 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar, adapted for extinguishing a burning smoking product to which it is attached in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The filter 2 is shown in FIG. 1 prior to filling the filter 2 with an extinguishing agent, and FIG. 2 shows the filter 2 after loading with an extinguishing agent.

The filter 2 has a cylindrical shell that be made of paper, for example, having a proximal end 6 and a distal end 8. The cylindrical shell 4 surrounds a space filled with filter material 10. The filter material may be, for example, any material used in filters of smoking products, such as cellulose, acetate, paper, active carbon, various resins or asbestos.

A thin tube 12 is located within the filter 10. The tube 12 ends at the proximal end a small distance from the proximal surface of the filter material 10, so that the proximal end of tube 12 cannot be seen outside the filter 2. The tube 12 may have, for example, a circular cross section with a diameter of less than 3 mm in order to avoid interfering with smoking of the smoking product it is attached. The tube may be of any suitable substance such as nylon, plastic, etc. The thickness of the tube's wall may be, for example, 0.5 mm. The tube 12 ends at its distal end with a nozzle 9. Stopper 14 having a circular shape is inserted into tube 12, thus separating the tube 12 into a proximal portion 16 and distal portion 18. A needle 20 extends inside the tube 12, through a central hole 22 in stopper 14. At the proximal end of the needle 20, a knob 24 is located, and the distal end of needle 20 terminates in a sharp tip 26. The needle 20 may be hollow, and in which case, an eyelet 27 may be located in the wall of the needle 20, close to the distal end of tube 12. The needle 20 may be of any cross sectional shape, and the sharp tip 26 may be of any shape. One or more protrusions 17 on the external surface of needle 20 are unable to pass through an annular cover 19 at the proximal end of tube 12, thus restricting the movement of needle 20 toward the proximal end of filter 2.

A helical spring 28 surrounds the needle 20 at the distal portion 18 of the tube 12. The distal end of the spring 28 is in close proximity to the pusher 30. The pusher 30 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. The pusher 30 has a central hole through which the needle 20 passes. Circumferential ribs 34 around the outer surface of the pusher 30 form a fluid-impervious seal between the pusher 30 and the inner surface of tube 12 even as the pusher 30 moves in the distal portion 18 of the tube 12 as explained below. Interior ribs 36 around a hole 32 form a sealing between the surface of the hole 32 and the needle 20, even as the needle 20 moves in the distal portion 18 of the tube 12.

The distal segment 18 of the tube 12 serves as a reservoir of extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent may be any extinguishing agent such as water, potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate. Prior to filling the distal portion 18 of tube 12 with the extinguishing agent (FIG. 1) the spring 28 is in its resting length and extends from the stopper 13 to the pusher 30. The extinguishing agent is inserted into the distal portion 18 of the tube 12 through the nozzle 9 under pressure. During insertion of the extinguishing agent into the distal portion 18 of the tube 12, it pushes the pusher 30 towards the proximal end along the needle 20, which compresses the spring 28 between the stopper 14 and the pusher 30 as shown in FIG. 2.

The extinguishing agent 38 (indicated by hatching in the drawings) is stored in the distal portion 18 of the tube 12 between the pusher 30 and the distal end of the tube 12. After filling the distal portion 18 with the extinguishing agent, a thin membrane 40 is attached to the nozzle 9 in order to prevent release of the extinguishing agent through nozzle 9. The membrane 40 may be of any material such as nylon, wax, plastic, etc. It is preferable that the membrane material be of a non-toxic substance. Upon completion of filling, the distal portion 18 of tube the 12 should contain a sufficient amount of the extinguishing agent for extinguishing the burn region of the smoking product, depending on the size of the smoking product and the type of extinguishing agent. For example, for an average cigarette, the distal portion 18 of the tube 12 may contain approximately 0.05-0.2 ml of extinguishing agent. As a specific example, the distal portion 18 of the tube 12 may contain approximately 0.15 ml.

The filter 2 is attached to smoking product 42 such as a cigarette or a cigar, as shown in FIG. 4. The smoking product has a central channel 44 with a longitudinal axis coaxial with the tube 12 of the filter 2, when filter 2 is attached to the smoking product. The wall of the central channel 44 may be, for example, a compressed layer of tobacco or paper. As shown in FIG. 5, when it is desired to extinguish the smoking product 42, pressure is exerted on the proximal end 6 of the filter 2. The pressure is transferred on the proximal end 6 of the filter 2 to the knob 24 at the proximal end of needle 20.

This causes the needle 20 to move towards the distal end within the tube 12, until the distal end of needle 20 reaches the membrane 40 and pierces the membrane 40. Piercing of the membrane 40 allows the compressed spring 28 to expand. Expansion of the spring 28 pushes the pusher 30 towards the distal end along the needle 20, and thus injects the extinguishing agent through the nozzle 9 into the channel 44 of the smoking product 42 (FIG. 5). The extinguishing agent flows along channel 44 into the burn region 46 of the smoking product 42, spreads within the burn region 46 and extinguishes the burn region 46 of the smoking product. In the needle 20 is a hollow needle and an eyelet 27 is located in the wall of the needle, the extinguishing agent may pass through the eyelet 27 into the interior of the needle and then out of the distal end of the needle.

As shown in FIG. 6, the membrane 40 may tear spontaneously as the smoking product's burn region approaches the membrane 40. Heat emitted from the burn region causes the membrane to rupture, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest floor or a mattress.

FIGS. 7 through 11 show a filter 50 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, according to another embodiment of the invention. The filter 50 and the filter 2 shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 have a number of components in common as, and components bodies in the filter 50 in common with the filter 2, are indicated with the same reference numeral without additional comment. The filter 50 is equipped with an additional helical spring 52 that surrounds the needle 20 in the proximal portion 16 of the tube 12. The filter 50 is shown in FIG. 7 prior to filling with an extinguishing agent, and FIG. 8 shows the filter 50 after loading with an extinguishing agent, and sealing with the thin membrane 40. FIG. 9 shows the filter 50 after attachment to the smoking product prior to the release of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12, and FIG. 10 shows the filter 50 after release of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12.

As shown in FIG. 10, applying pressure to the proximal end of the filter 50 causes the needle 20 to move toward the distal end within tube 12 and pierce the membrane 40 causing the release of the extinguishing agent inside the tube 12 into the burn region 46 of the smoking product 42 as described above in reference to filter 2. As the needle moves towards the distal end, the spring 52 is compressed. After release of the extinguishing agent from the distal end 6 of the filter 50, the spring 52 causes the needle 20 to move back towards the proximal end until the needle regains its original position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, so that the distal end of the needle 20 retracts into the tube 12 and no longer extends into the smoking product.

As shown in FIG. 11, with reference to the filter 50, the membrane 50 may tear spontaneously as the smoking item's burn region approaches the membrane 50. Heat emitted from the burn region causes the membrane to rupture, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress.

FIGS. 12 through 16 show a filter 60 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, according to another embodiment of the invention. The filter 60 and the filter 2 shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 have a number of components in common as, and components in the filter 60 in common with filter 2, are indicated with the same reference numeral without additional comment. The filter 60 has a triangular knob 62 which replaces the knob 24 of the filter 2. On both sides of the knob 62 is a small wedge 64. The filter 60 is shown in FIG. 12 prior to filling the filter 60 with an extinguishing agent, and FIG. 13 shows the filter 60 after loading with an extinguishing agent, and sealing with the thin membrane 40. FIG. 14 shows the filter 50 after attachment to a smoking product prior to the release of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12, and FIG. 15 shows the filter 60 after release of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12.

As shown in FIG. 15, pressure on the sides of the proximal end 6 of the filter 60 moves the wedges 64 towards each other. The convergence of the wedges 64 causes the movement of the knob 62 and movement of needle 20 towards the distal end. The needle 20 pierces the membrane 40, releasing the extinguishing agent from tube 12 into the burn region 46 of the smoking product 42, as described above in reference to filter 2.

As shown in FIG. 16, with reference to the filter 60, the membrane 40 may tear spontaneously as the smoking product's burn region approaches the membrane 40. Heat emitted from the burn region causes the membrane to rupture, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress.

FIGS. 17 through 21 show a filter 70 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, according to an additional embodiment of the invention. The filter 70 and the filter 2 shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 have a number of components in common, and components of filter 70 in common with filter 2 are indicated with the same reference numeral without further comment. The filter 70 has a pair of barbs 62 that are attached to the external surface of the nozzle 9. The filter 70 is shown in FIG. 17 prior to filling the filter 70 with an extinguishing agent; FIG. 18 shows the filter 70 after loading with an extinguishing agent, and sealing with the thin membrane 40. FIG. 19 shows the filter 70 after its attachment to a smoking product prior to the release of the extinguishing agent from tube 12.

As shown in FIG. 20, squeezing the sides of the proximal end of the smoking product 42 around the barbs 62 causes the barbs 62 to move towards the membrane 40 and pierce the membrane 40. The barbs 62 may move over the membrane 40 and pierce the membrane 40 from the outside, or move below the membrane 40 prior to piercing and pierce membrane 40 from the inside. The barbs 62 may be adapted to pierce the membrane 40 at the center of membrane 40. This causes the release of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12 into the burn region 46 of the smoking product 42, as described above referring to filter 2.

As shown in FIG. 26, with reference to the filter 70, the membrane 40 may tear spontaneously as the smoking item's burn region approaches the membrane 40. Heat emitted from the burn region causes the membrane to rupture, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress.

FIGS. 27 through 31 show a filter 90 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The filter 90 and filter 70 shown in FIGS. 17 through 21 have a number of components in common, and components in the filter 90 in common with the filter 70, are indicated with the same reference numeral without further comment. The filter 90 is shown in FIG. 27 prior to filling the filter 90 with an extinguishing agent; FIG. 28 shows the filter 90 after loading with an extinguishing agent, and sealing with the thin membrane 40. FIG. 29 shows the filter 90 after its attachment to a smoking product prior to release of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12.

As shown in FIG. 30, squeezing the sides on the proximal end of the smoking product 42 causes the rupture of the membrane 40. This causes the release of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12 into the burn region 46 of the smoking product 42, as described above with reference to filter 70.

As shown in FIG. 31, with reference to the filter 90, the membrane 40 may tear spontaneously as the smoking product's burn region approaches the membrane 40. Heat emitted from the burn region causes the membrane to rupture, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress.

FIGS. 32 through 35 show a filter 100 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The filter 100 includes an elastic balloon, 102. The balloon 102 ends with a protrusion, 106, at the distal end of the balloon. Filling the balloon 102 with an extinguishing agent may be carried out through a small hole on protrusion 106 that is sealed by a membrane such as wax after filling. As the balloon is filled with extinguishing agent 38 (indicated by hatching in the figures), the balloon 102 is becomes inflated. After filling the balloon 102, the balloon 102 may be inserted into a sleeve 104, which may be either rigid or flexible. The sleeve 104 may be closed at its proximal end or may be open at its proximal end. In certain cases, for example if the material of the filter 10 is sufficiently rigid, at least around the balloon 102, the sleeve 104 may not be necessary. The protrusion 106 protrudes through a slot 108 at the distal end of sleeve 104. It is preferable that the material of the balloon at the area of protrusion 106 be weaker than the balloon material at other parts of the balloon. Thus, for example, the balloon material in the area of the protrusion 106 may be thinner than the balloon material in the other parts of the balloon, or the balloon material in the area of the protrusion 106 may be scratched. The device also includes a pair of levers 110, intended to cause the rupture of protrusion 106, as explained below. Each of levers 110 ends with a barb 112, adjacent to the protrusion 106. The filter 100 is attached to the smoking product 42 such as a cigarette or a cigar, as shown in FIG. 33. The smoking product has a central channel, 44, with a longitudinal axis terminating at its proximal end adjacent to the protrusion 106 of the balloon 102, when the filter 100 is attached to the smoking product.

As shown in FIG. 34, when it is desired to extinguish the smoking product 42, the sides of filter 100 are squeezed. In one embodiment, the pressure is exerted on the sides of the filter 100 at the area of levers 110. This pressure is transferred to the levers 110. The levers 110 move toward each other, which causes the barbs 122 to move towards the protrusion 106 and pierce the balloon material at the area of protrusion 106.

Piercing the balloon material at the area of protrusion 106 causes the rupture of the balloon material. Upon the rupture of the balloon material, the balloon 102 contracts and the extinguishing agent is injected into the channel 44 of the smoking product 42 (FIG. 34) under the influence of the elastic force of the material of balloon 102. The extinguishing agent flows along the channel 44, spreads throughout the burn region 46 and extinguishes the burn region 46 of the smoking product in another embodiment; the barbs 112 are fixed and are immobile. In this embodiment, pressure may be exerted on the balloon away from the barbs. In this case, the pressure is transferred to the balloon 102. This causes the expansion of protrusion 106 and piercing of the material of balloon 102 at the area of the protrusion by the fixed barbs.

As shown in FIG. 35, with reference to the filter 100, the balloon material in the protrusion 106 may tear spontaneously as the smoking product's burn region approaches the protrusion 106. Heat emitted from the burn region causes the balloon material in the protrusion 106 to rupture, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress.

FIGS. 36 through 39 show a filter 120 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The filter 120 includes an elastic balloon, 102, filled with extinguishing agent 38 (indicated by hatching in the figures), so that the balloon 120 is in an inflated state after being filled with the extinguishing agent. After filling the balloon 102, the balloon 102 may be inserted into the sleeve 104, which may be either rigid or flexible. In some cases, for example if the filter material 10 is rigid enough at least around balloon 102, there may be no need for the sleeve 104. The sleeve 104 may be closed at its proximal end or may be open at its proximal end.

The balloon 102 in an inflated state ends in a protrusion 106 at the distal end of the balloon 102, which protrudes through a slot 108 at the distal end of sleeve 104. It is preferable that the material of the balloon in the area of protrusion 106 be weaker than the balloon material in other parts of the balloon. Thus, for example, the balloon material in the area of the protrusion 106 may be thinner than the balloon material in other parts of the balloon, or the balloon material at the area of protrusion 106 may have scratches. In contrast to the filter 100, the filter 120 does not include any barbs for piercing the balloon 102, but one or more barbs may be included in order to facilitate rupture of the balloon 102, as described below. The filter 100 is attached to smoking product 42 such as a cigarette or a cigar, as shown in FIG. 37. The smoking product has a central channel 44, with a longitudinal axis terminating at its proximal end adjacent to the protrusion 106 of the balloon 102 when the filter 100 is attached to the smoking product.

As shown in FIG. 38, when it is desired to extinguish the smoking product 42, the sides of the filter 120 are squeezed. This pressure causes the rupture of the balloon material in the protrusion 106. Upon the rupture of the balloon material in the protrusion 106, the extinguishing agent is injected into the channel 44 of smoking product 42 (FIG. 38) under the elastic force of the balloon material 102. The extinguishing agent flows along the channel 44, spreads throughout the burn region 46 and extinguishes the burn region 46 of the smoking product.

As shown in FIG. 39, the balloon material in the area of the protrusion 106 may tear spontaneously as the smoking product's burn region approaches protrusion 106. The heat emitted from the burn region can cause the membrane to tear, causing the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, when a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress.

FIGS. 40 through 44 show filter 130 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The filter 130 and the filter 70 shown in FIGS. 17 through 21 have a number of components in common and components in filter 130 that are in common with filter 70 are indicated by the same reference numeral without additional comment. The filter 130 is shown in FIG. 40 prior to filling the filter 130 with an extinguishing agent; FIG. 41 shows the filter 130 after loading with an extinguishing agent, and sealing with the thin membrane 40. FIG. 42 shows the filter 130 after attachment to a smoking product prior to the release of the extinguishing agent.

The device also includes a pair of levers 32 which of which is attached to the membrane 40 by a thin thread or cord 134 that are configured to cause the rupture of the protrusion 106, as shall be explained below. Each of handles 110 ends with a barb 112, adjacent to the protrusion 106.

As shown in FIG. 43, squeezing the filter 130 pulls the threads 134 towards the proximal end of the filter 130. This causes tearing and rupture of the membrane 40. The threads 134 may be attached to the membrane 40 on the external surface of membrane 40 or the inner surface of the membrane 40. The tearing and rupture of the membrane 40 causes the release of the extinguishing agent from tube 12 into burn region 46 of the smoking product 42, as described above in reference to filter 70.

As shown in FIG. 44, with reference to the filter 130, the membrane 40 may tear spontaneously as the smoking product's burn region approaches the membrane 40. Heat emitted from the burn region causes the membrane to rupture, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress.

FIGS. 45 through 49 show a filter 140 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The filter 140 and the filter 70 shown in FIGS. 17 through 21, have a number of components in common and components in filter 140 in common with the filter 70 are indicated with the same reference numeral without further comment. The filter 140 is shown in FIG. 45 prior to loading with an extinguishing agent.

FIG. 46 shows the filter 140 after loading with the extinguishing agent and sealing with the thin membrane 40. The extinguishing agent is inserted into the tube 12 under pressure, which causes the pusher 30 to move toward the proximal end of the filter, compressing the air located between the stopper 14 and the pusher 30.

FIG. 47 shows filter 140 after attachment to a smoking product prior to the release of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 48, squeezing the sides of the proximal end of smoking product 42 around the barbs 62, causes the barbs 62 to move towards the membrane 40 so that the barbs pierce the membrane 40. The barbs 62 may move over the membrane 40 and pierce the membrane 40 from the outside, or move below the membrane 40 prior to piercing and pierce the membrane 40 from the inside. The barbs 62 may be adjusted to pierce the membrane 40 at the center of membrane 40. Rupture of the membrane 40 enables the compressed air between the stopper 14 and the pusher 30 to expand. This causes injection of the extinguishing agent from the tube 12 into the burn region 46 of the smoking product 42. In another embodiment, squeezing the filter 140 around the compressed air may cause the movement of the pusher 30 towards the distal end of the filter 140. This can cause an increase in the pressure of the extinguishing agent and the expansion of membrane 40. Expansion of membrane 40 may cause the rupture of the membrane or rupture of the membrane 40 by one or more of the fixed barbs.

As shown in FIG. 49, with reference to the filter 140, the membrane 40 may tear spontaneously as the smoking product's burn region approaches the membrane 40. Heat emitted from the burn region causes the membrane to rupture, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress.

FIGS. 50 through 53 show a filter 150 for a smoking product such as a cigarette or a cigar comprising a device for extinguishing a smoking product to which it is attached, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The filter 150 and the filter 100 shown in FIGS. 32 through 35 have a number of components in common, and components in the filter 150 in common with filter 100 are indicated by the same reference numeral without additional comment.

The device includes a pair of levers 152, each of which is attached to the balloon material at the area of the protrusion 106 by a thin thread or cord 154, which is configured to cause rupture of protrusion 106, as explained below. The filter 150 is attached to a smoking product 42 such as a cigarette or a cigar, as shown in FIG. 51. The smoking product has a central channel 44, with a longitudinal axis terminating at its proximal end adjacent to the protrusion 106 of the balloon 102 when the filter 150 is attached to the smoking product.

As shown in FIG. 52, when wishing to extinguish smoking product 42, pressure is exerted on the sides of filter 150, at the area of handles 152. Handles 152 move towards each other, which cases threads 154 to move towards the proximal end of filter 50. This causes the tear and rupture of balloon 102 at the area of protrusion 106. Threads 154 may be attached to the balloon's material at the area of protrusion 106 on the external surface of protrusion 106 or the inner surface of protrusion 106.

Upon rupture of the balloon material, balloon 102 contracts and the extinguishing agent is injected into the channel 44 of the smoking product 42 (FIG. 34) under the elastic force of the material of the balloon 102. The extinguishing agent flows along the channel 44, spreads throughout the burn region 46 and extinguishes the burn region 46 of the smoking product.

As shown in FIG. 53, the balloon material at the area of protrusion 106 may rupture spontaneously as the burn region of the smoking product approaches the protrusion 106. The heat emitted from the burn region causes the balloon material to rupture at the protrusion, which causes the release of the extinguishing agent into the burn region. This may prevent a fire from developing when, for example, a burning cigarette is dropped upon a flammable substance such as forest grounds or a mattress. 

1. A device for extinguishing a smoking item, the device being adapted for insertion in a smoking item, the device comprising: a. a container adapted to contain an extinguishing agent; b. a frangible membrane covering an opening in the container; c. one or more barbs or one or more cords attached to the membrane; wherein the device is adapted to move from a first state to a second state, wherein the barbs do not pierce the membrane in the first state of the device and the barbs pierce the membrane in the second state of the device, or one or more of the threads does not pull on the membrane in the first state of the device and the threads pull and tear the membrane at the second state of the device.
 2. The device according to claim 1 inside a filter or inside a smoking item.
 3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the membrane is adapted to withstand pressure exerted on the membrane by the extinguishing agent.
 4. The device according to claim 1 further comprising an extinguishing agent in the container.
 5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the container is in the form of a narrow tube.
 6. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a first spring.
 7. The device according to claim 6 further comprising a pusher at the end of the first spring.
 8. The device according to claim 5 further comprising a stopper fixed inside the tube.
 9. The device according to claim 8 further comprising an extinguishing agent stored in the container between the membrane and the pusher.
 10. The device according to claim 1 further comprising one or more barbs and at least one barb is in the form of a needle.
 11. The device according to claim 10 wherein the container is in the form of a narrow tube and the needle is located inside the tube.
 12. The device according to claim 11 wherein: a. the pusher inside the tube surrounds the needle and is adapted to move along the needle inside the tube and create a fluid impervious seal between the needle and the pusher and between the pusher and an internal wall of the tube, and b. the stopper is circular and fixed inside the tube between the stopper and the pusher.
 13. The device according to claim 6 further comprising a second spring between a protrusion on the needle and the stopper.
 14. The device according to claim 10 wherein the needle is hollow and there is an eyelet in the wall of the needle.
 15. The device according to claim 1 wherein the device is adapted to move from the first state to the second state by exerting pressure on an end of the device.
 16. The device according to claim 1 wherein the device is adapted to move from the first state to the second state by squeezing the sides of the device.
 17. The device according to claim 1 wherein one or more of the barbs is attached to the container, and the device is adapted to switch from the first state into the second state by squeezing the device from the sides, or squeezing a filter containing the device, or by squeezing a smoking item containing the device.
 18. The device according to claim 17 wherein the barbs are located outside the membrane.
 19. The device according to claim 17 wherein the barbs have tips located inside the membrane when the device is in the first state.
 20. The device according to claim 17 wherein the membrane tears prior to the burn region making contact with the barbs due to heat emitted from the burn region.
 21. The device according to claim 10 further comprising: (a) a protrusion on the proximal end of the needle; and (b) one or more wedges, the wedges being adapted to move towards the protrusion when the device is squeezed from the sides, causing the needle to move toward the distal end and pierce the membrane.
 22. The device according to claim 10 further comprising one or more levers adjacent to or adhered to the needle adjacent to the proximal end of the needle, the levers being adapted to move towards each other when the device is squeezed from the sides causing the needle to pierce the membrane.
 23. The device according to claim 1 wherein the membrane is adapted to tear by heat emitted from the burn region of the smoking item.
 24. A filter comprising the device according to claim
 1. 25. A system including a filter according to claim 24 and a smoking item attached to the filter.
 26. The system according to claim 25 wherein the smoking item includes a channel along the smoking item.
 27. The system according to claim 26 wherein the channel has a wall made of tobacco or compressed tobacco, or paper.
 28. The device according to claim 1 wherein the container is made from a rigid material.
 29. The device according to claim 1 wherein the container is made from an elastic material
 30. A device for extinguishing a smoking item, the device being adapted for attachment to a smoking item, the device comprising: a. a container adapted to contain an extinguishing agent; b. a frangible membrane covering an opening in the container, c. a first spring, and d. a pusher adapted to move under the influence of the first spring and to inject the extinguishing agent out of the container.
 31. The device according to claim 30 included in a filter or in a smoking item.
 32. The device according to claim 30 wherein the membrane is adapted to withstand pressure exerted on the membrane by the extinguishing agent.
 33. The device according to claim 30 further comprising an extinguishing agent in the container.
 34. The device according to claim 30 further comprising one or more barbs, the device is adapted to be moved from a first state wherein the barbs do not pierce the membrane and a second state wherein at least one barb tears the membrane.
 35. The device according to claim 30 wherein the container is in the form of a narrow tube.
 36. The device according to claim 35 further comprising a stopper fixed inside the tube.
 37. The device according to claim 34 wherein the container is in the form of a narrow tube and at least one barb is in the form of a needle.
 38. The device according to claim 37 wherein the container is in the form of a narrow tube and the needle is located inside the tube.
 39. The device according to claim 39 wherein the pusher is inside the tube surrounding the needle and is adapted to move along the needle inside the tube creating a fluid impervious seal between the needle and the pusher and between the pusher and an internal surface of the tube.
 40. The device according to claim 39 wherein the stopper is annular and surrounds the needle.
 41. The device according to claim 38 further comprising an extinguishing agent stored in the tube between the membrane and the pusher.
 42. The device according to claim 36 further comprising a second spring between a protrusion on the needle and the stopper.
 43. The device according to claim 28 wherein the needle is hollow and there is an eyelet on the wall of the needle.
 44. The device according to claim 34 wherein the device is adapted to move from the first state to the second state by exerting pressure on an edge of the device.
 45. The device according to claim 34 wherein the device is adapted to move from the first state to the second state by squeezing the device.
 46. The device according to claim 34 wherein one or more of the barbs is attached to the container, and the device is adapted to move from the first state to the second state by squeezing the device, or by squeezing a filter containing the device, or by squeezing the sides on a smoking item containing the device.
 47. The device according to claim 46 wherein the barbs are located outside the membrane.
 48. The device according to claim 46 wherein the barbs have tips located inside the membrane when the device is in the first state.
 49. The device according to claim 30 wherein the membrane tears prior to the burn region making contact with the barbs due to heat emitted from the burn region.
 50. The device according to claim 37 further comprising: (a) a protrusion on the proximal end of the needle; and (b) one or more wedges, the wedges being adapted to move towards the protrusion when the device is squeezed from the sides, causing the needle to move toward the distal end and pierce the membrane.
 51. The device according to claim 37 further comprising one or more levers adjacent to or adhered to the needle at the proximal end of the needle, the levers being adapted to move towards one other when sides of the device is squeezed causing the needle to pierce the membrane.
 52. The device according to claim 29 wherein the membrane is adapted to tear by heat emitted from the burn region of the smoking item.
 53. A filter for a smoking item comprising the device according to claim
 30. 54. A system including a filter according to claim 53 and a smoking item attached to the filter.
 55. The system according to claim 53 wherein the smoking item includes a channel along the smoking item.
 56. The system according to claim 55 wherein the channel has a wall is made of tobacco or compressed tobacco or paper.
 57. The device according to claim 30 wherein the container comprises rigid material.
 58. The device according to claim 30 wherein the container comprises elastic material.
 59. A device for extinguishing a smoking item, the device being adapted for insertion into a smoking item, the device comprising a container formed from an elastic material and adapted to contain an extinguishing agent.
 60. The device according to claim 59 inside a filter or inside a smoking item.
 61. The device according to claim 59 further comprising an extinguishing agent in the container.
 62. The device according to claim 59 wherein the extinguishing agent is released from the container when the container is ruptured.
 63. The device according to claim 59 wherein the container is inserted into a sleeve.
 64. The device according to claim 59 wherein the container terminates in a protrusion.
 65. The device according to claim 59 further comprising one or more barbs or one or more levers.
 66. The device according to claim 59 wherein the container is filled through a hole in the container and the hole is sealed after filling.
 67. The device according to claim 62 wherein the container is adapted to rupture by squeezing the device, or by squeezing a filter containing the device, or by squeezing a smoking item containing the device.
 68. The device according to claim 67 further comprising one or more barbs, wherein squeezing causes the device to move from a first state wherein the barbs do not pierce the container and a second state wherein at least one barb pierces the container.
 69. The device according to claim 68 wherein squeezing causes the movement of the barbs and piercing of the container.
 70. The device according to claim 68 wherein squeezing causes expansion of the container and piercing the container by the barbs.
 71. The device according to claim 59 wherein the container is ruptured by heat emitted from the burn region.
 72. A system including a filter according to claim 60 and a smoking item attached to the filter.
 73. The system according to claim 72 wherein the smoking item further comprises a channel along the smoking item.
 74. The system according to claim 73 wherein the channel has a wall made of tobacco, compressed tobacco, or paper.
 75. A device for extinguishing a smoking item, the device being adapted for insertion into a smoking item, the device comprising: a. a container having a first region adapted to contain an extinguishing agent and a second region containing a gas; b. a frangible membrane covering an opening in the container; c. a pusher adapted to move inside the container, the pusher separating the region adapted to contain the extinguishing agent and the region containing the gas; wherein the device is adapted to move from a first state wherein the membrane is intact and a second state wherein the membrane is broken; and wherein the gas within the second region is compressed upon filling the first region with the extinguishing agent.
 76. The device according to claim 75 inside a filter or inside a smoking item.
 77. The device according to claim 75 wherein the membrane is adapted to withstand pressure exerted on the membrane by the extinguishing agent.
 78. The device according to claim 75 further comprising an extinguishing agent in the container.
 79. The device according to claim 75 further comprising one or more barbs, wherein when the device is in the first state the barbs do not pierce the membrane, and when the device is in the second state as at least one barb pierces the membrane.
 80. The device according to claim 75 wherein the container is in the form of a narrow tube.
 81. The device according to claim 75 wherein the device is adapted to move from the first state to the second state upon exerting pressure on an edge of the device or by squeezing the second region of the container.
 82. The device according to claim 75 further comprising one or more cords attached to the membrane, wherein exerting pressure on the device pulls the cords and tears the membrane.
 83. The device according to claim 75 wherein the membrane is ruptured by heat emitted from a burn region.
 84. The device according to claim 75 wherein the gas is air.
 85. A filter for a smoking item comprising the device according to claim
 75. 86. A system including a filter according to claim 85 and a smoking item attached to the filter.
 87. The system according to claim 85 wherein the smoking item includes a channel along the smoking item.
 88. The system according to claim 87 wherein the channel's wall is made of tobacco, compressed tobacco or paper.
 89. A device according to claim 7 wherein the pusher does not have a hole.
 90. A device according to claim 8 wherein the stopper does not have a hole.
 91. A device according to claim 30 wherein the pusher does not have a hole.
 92. A device according to claim 75 wherein the pusher does not have a hole.
 93. A device according to claim 30 wherein the stopper does not have a hole. 